The Iowa Nepalese Association organized a candlelight vigil on Sunday night at Centennial Park in the Des Moines metropolitan area to honor those impacted by the catastrophic floods that have ravaged Nepal. The event brought together members of the local Nepalese community, their families, and supportive neighbors who gathered under the evening sky to pray, reflect, and demonstrate solidarity with the disaster‑stricken region.
Community Unity and Faith
“Iowa may seem very far, but as you can see, there are a lot of Nepalese families here, so it feels close to this disaster that happened,” said Aabriti Pandey, public relations director for the Iowa Nepalese Association. Pandey emphasized that the vigil was an expression of both cultural heritage and Christian‑inspired compassion, underscoring the shared values of faith, family, and service that bind the community.
Pradip Sthapit, president of the association, added, “They have a huge community, and we don’t even know if someone’s family or friends is affected by the flood.” His remarks highlighted the uncertainty many families feel when loved ones are abroad, and the desire to support them through prayer and tangible aid.
Fundraising for Relief
In addition to the vigil, the association launched a fundraising drive that will run through September 15. All contributions will be directed to Nepal’s Prime Minister Disaster Relief Fund, a government‑run program designed to provide emergency assistance, shelter, and medical care to flood victims. Organizers encouraged donors to give what they can, noting that even modest amounts collectively make a significant impact.
Local businesses and individual volunteers have already pledged support, and a collection box was placed at the entrance of Centennial Park for cash donations. The association also set up an online donation portal to accommodate those who prefer digital contributions.
Why the Vigil Matters
Beyond raising funds, the vigil served as a reminder of the importance of global empathy rooted in Christian teachings. By gathering in prayer and solidarity, the Iowa Nepalese community demonstrated how local faith‑based groups can respond to international crises, reinforcing the principle that caring for neighbors knows no borders.
Community leaders praised the event as a model of how cultural organizations can mobilize resources quickly and effectively, especially when traditional media coverage may overlook distant disasters. The vigil also provided an opportunity for younger Nepalese‑American families to learn about their heritage and the responsibilities that come with it.
Looking Ahead
As the flood recovery efforts continue in Nepal, the Iowa Nepalese Association plans to keep the momentum going with additional outreach events, informational sessions about the situation on the ground, and ongoing support for the relief fund. The organization invites anyone interested in learning more or contributing to contact their office through the association’s website.
For more information about the vigil, donation details, or future community events, please visit the Iowa Nepalese Association’s official page or call their office during regular business hours.
Original reporting: KCCI Des Moines — read the source article.
